• Nicaragua

Overview

Discover the wildlife of the Solentiname Archipelago. You’ll visit islands that make up the archipelago & cruise rivers in between. And alongside an expert guide, you’ll observe & learn about the hundreds of species that call the archipelago home. 

Highlights

  • Zapote Island – Home to crocodiles, monkeys, hundreds of species of birds, & the water-striding Jesus Christ Lizard.
  • River Cruising – Cruise the San Juan & Papaturro Rivers.
  • Indio Maiz Biological Reserve – Enjoy hiking the nature trails & observing the reserve’s wildlife.

Itinerary

Day 1: Managua

Arrive at the airport, & transfer to the hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Day 2: Managua – San Carlos – Solentiname Archipelago

In the morning, transfer to the airport, & board domestic flight to San Carlos. Upon arrival, transfer to the shores of Lake Nicaragua, & board a boat to the Solentiname Archipelago. Before dinner, meet with an expert guide for a bird watching tour. 

Day 3: Zapote

Head to Zapote Island today. Enjoy observing the island’s wildlife. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars. You might spot crocodiles, monkeys, & the water-striding Jesus Christ Lizard. You’ll also be sure to see a lot of birds, as the island features hundreds of different species. Return to your hotel afterward for dinner & an overnight stay. 

Day 4: Rio Papaturro

Today’s wildlife tour will be along the Papaturro River. Your guide will teach you about the surrounding wildlife while moving down the river. Along the way you will visit the biological research station. Here you will see many different types of beautiful orchids & a turtle hatchery. You’ll also learn about the area’s endangered species. After the river tour, enjoy dinner & an overnight stay at your hotel. 

Day 5: Solentiname Archipelago – San Carlos – Rio San Juan – El Castillo

Return to San Carlos this morning by boat. From there you will begin your sailing adventure along the San Juan River. Learn about the river’s historic background & the wildlife that calls it home. You will disembark the boat at El Castillo. After lunch, visit the Fortress of the Immaculate Conception. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Day 6: El Castillo – Indio Maiz Biological Reserve – El Castillo

Visit the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve today. You’ll enjoy learning about the native wildlife while hiking the nature trails. Return to El Castillo for dinner & an overnight stay. 

Day 7: El Castillo – San Carlos – Managua

Return to San Carlos by boat. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport, & board return flight to Managua. This afternoon, visit Ticuantepe’s El Chocoyero Nature Reserve (time permitting). Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight at a local restaurant. 

Day 8: Managua – USA

Transfer to the airport, & board return flight home. 

Optional Add-Ons

Available Upon Request

Includes

  • International flights
  • Full-time assistance of an English-speaking naturalist guide
  • Private air-conditioned transport for all land transfers & tours in program
  • Round-trip domestic flight: Managua - San Carlos - Managua
  • Private boat transfers
  • Private boat tour of the Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge
  • Private boat tour of the San Juan River
  • 2 nights lodging at Hotel Los Robles in Managua
  • 2 nights lodging at Hotel Celentiname in Solentiname
  • 2 nights lodging at Hotel Victoria in El Castillo
  • All meals
  • All admissions to nature parks
  • Hotel taxes